Rachel Lieser, Ph.D.

• Developed a novel protein delivery module, to actively target cancer cells, that has been utilized to deliver monomeric, dimeric, and nanocapsid proteins intracellularly for multiple thesis projects • Collaborated with another graduate student to functionalize HBV capsids with targeting ligands for the delivery of a prodrug converting enzyme to treat breast cancer • Comparing the ability of multiple endosomolytic agents to deliver an siRNA binding protein to the cytosol for siRNA mediated knockdown of oncogenes

• Assisted professors in teaching Biochemical Engineering and Biomaterials in Drug Delivery courses • Held weekly office hours to assist with course material and led lecture when the professor was absent

• Developed and conducted experiments to validate the clinical readiness of the 3MTM Hollow Microstructured Transdermal Device for drug delivery including evaluation of dose accuracy, particulate expulsion, needle leakage, and needle sheathe selection • Maintained detailed and organized notes on experimental procedures, data collection, and results in a technical notebook • Assisted with animal studies to test the efficiency and safety of the device in vivo

• Evaluated the aptitude of twelve uniquely functionalized alginate nanoparticles to delivery doxorubicin to lymphoma cells and alter the phenotype of tumor associated macrophages for immunotherapy

• Evaluated the inspection frequency of relief valves in the Olefins unit by organizing and evaluating past inspection data which revealed several relief values that required replacement or enhanced monitoring • Documented each step in the relief valve inspection process for other sites in the company to follow • Managed the design and installation of a new pump in the water treatment facility within the plant

• Led general chemistry labs of approximately 20 students and advised students on experimental procedures and safe laboratory practices • Taught a 20 student recitation to review topics from lectures and answered student questions

• Analyzed the downtime on sifters in the flour mill and discovered a component that needed to be replaced resulting in mitigated stoppage time • Coordinated the install of vending machines containing operating supplies and PPE for employee use and led meetings and training sessions to discuss vending machine item selection and cost savings

• Mentored 23 first year undergraduate students as a Women in Science and Engineering peer mentor at Iowa State University. • Organized weekly social, academic, and service events and provided tutoring in introductory science and engineering courses to increase retention of women in STEM

Minor in Bioengineering